Dear all
The policy team here at Skill has a meeting with Maria Eagle, the new
disability minister, towards the end of October in which we want to impress
upon her the need for improvements in disability provision for students who
are still missing out. The arrival of SENDA is a big step forward, but there
will still be gaps, not least because of the lack of funding to back up
SENDA. Therefore this is request for examples of disabled students who are
still having problems getting the support they need. Where necessary, please
also explain the root of the problem, and what change is required in policy,
including funding policy, to help that individual, and others in the same
position.
Obviously there will be issues of student confidentiality to respect, and
the consequent need to vary facts and anonymise individuals as appropriate.
However, we need examples of individuals (with 'names'!), rather than simply
types of problems, in order to persuade and influence the minister most
effectively.
Below is a list of some of the main areas that Skill has mentioned in a
briefing letter to Maria Eagle, and a couple of extra ones. Case studies in
these areas, and any others, will be gratefully received.
1) professional awarding bodies discrimininating against disabled people -
eg barriers to entering professions allied to medicine
2) providers of unpaid work placements/work experience as part of programmes
of study, not covered by DDA - so disabled student who cannot get any is
stuck
3) Access to Work funding does not cover unpaid work experience, even if
part of a vocational course
4) students on campus not being eligible for housing benefit
5) students who spend years abroad as part of their course losing
eligibility for DLA after 6 months
6) intercalating students - lack of support
7) nursing bursary students not getting DSA
8) transport problems, especially in FE
9) specialist equipment in FE - which student can take home where necessary
10) anything else that you can think of - eg around benefits etc.
Many thanks, in advance, for your assistance in this matter.
Caroline
Caroline Lewis
Policy Officer
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Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW
Direct line: 020 7450 0641 (voice)
Main line: 020 7450 0620 (voice/text) Fax: 020 7450 0650
Information Service: 0800 328 5050 (voice), 0800 068 2422 (text),
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Monday-Friday 1:30 to 4:30
Website: www.skill.org.uk
Skill is a registered charity no. 801971 and a company limited by guarantee
no. 2397897
Promoting equality in education, training and employment for disabled
people.
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